Clear Skin Forever

12 Rules for achieving a perfect complexion – no matter how bad you think it is.

1. The importance of exfoliation cannot be overstated, even if you’ve got sensitive skin. You’ll have to experiment to figure out how often you need to do it – every daily, twice a week, etc. – and what strength works best for you, but it’s always better to start with a milder or less abrasive product. Never scrub so hard that you cause irritation – think of sweeping dead skin cells away lightly and you’re on the right track.Try: PhilosophyMiracle Worker, $70, beauty.com

2. Retinoids chemically exfoliate, kill bacteria, clean pores, make skin generally healthier and stronger – and are anti-aging in the bargain. Ideally, apply them every day. They vary in intensity – from prescription Accutane, for the most serious cases, to Tazorac and Differin to over-the-counter retinoids which will treat mild to moderate problems.

3. You don’t have to wash your face in the morning unless you’re feeling greasy. At night, however, your skin absolutely needs to be cleansed. (Even if all you want to do is sleep.)

4. There is a persistent myth that sun exposure will reduce acne. In the (very) short term, it will – because UV rays damage and dry out skin – but once your body goes into recovery mode, it produces more oil than eve to compensate. Use sunscreen: Your skin will look better. Some formulas not only don’t irritate your skin, they actually fight oiliness and blemishes.Try: Go Clear Moisturizing Sunscreen SPF15, $33, sephora.com
Clinique Super-Defense SPF25 Moisturizer, $43, Clinique.com

5. The only optical treatment to even slightly faze the dreaded body acne is copious amounts of isopropyl alcohol. Even then, it’s a battle that is hard to win. Oral antibiotics have also been known to do the trick; ask your dermatologist.

6. Isolaz, an in-office dermatological treatment, zaps and prevents acne. You have to do three to four treatments over six months, and it’s not cheap ($500 each time), but it really does work. The new at-home device from Tria Beauty[Tria Beauty Skin Clarifying System, $395, triabeauty.com]functions in a similar way.

8. The situation often gets worse before it gets better, so pick a strategy and stick to it for at least six weeks.

9. While you may have memories of a too-drying spot treatment that made your breakout more obvious, benzoyl peroxide potions have improved – and still clear everything up quicker than anything else. Bacteria never become resistant to this ingredient, so it always works.Try: Neutrogena Rapid Clear 2-In-1 Fight & Fade Gel, $9, drugstore.com

10. Almost all acne relates to hormones in some ways. For this reason, oral contraceptives, like Yaz and Alesse, can relieve some cases.

11. Cleansing cloths can be oiler than is ideal. We love pads, which sweep away dead skin cells and leave treatment ingredients behind. They’re especially goof if you’re the type who gets home late and forgets to wash her face. Remember: Eye makeup left on overnight isn’t going to cause breakouts – it’s foundation and concealer you need to get off.Try: Aveda Outer Peace Acne Relief Pads, $32, aveda.com

12. Once you are “cured”, it is important to remember that you are actually not. This is the hardest rule to follow and perhaps the most critical. The bacteria are always there, invisibly waiting for an opportunity – so stick to your regimen. Always.